Friends, imagine sunrise over endless grasslands, a snow‑tipped summit floating above clouds, and powder‑soft beaches linked by easy ferries and short flights.

Tanzania makes big nature feel close: world‑class parks, compact island escapes, and welcoming towns that keep logistics simple. Use this guide for practical costs, best‑time windows, and transit notes that help a week (or two) feel effortless.

Unguja

Zanzibar's main island pairs Stone Town's carved doors and lanes with chalk‑white beaches such as Nungwi and Kendwa. Ferries Dar→Zanzibar run ~$35–$50 one‑way (2–3 hours); flights take ~20–30 minutes from $40–$100. Boutique stays range $90–$220 per night; beachfront loungers are often included. Book spice, cooking, or heritage walks ($15–$25) for a relaxed first day.

Kilimanjaro

Africa's highest peak rises from farmland to glacier in five ecological zones. Typical 6–8 day climbs cost $1,800–$3,500 all‑in (guides, fees, tents, meals). Best windows: Jan–Mar and Jun–Oct. Train with weighted hikes, pack a 4‑season bag and 10‑degree liner, and choose routes by goal: Marangu (huts, steady), Machame (scenic, popular), Lemosho (quiet, panoramic).

Serengeti

Endless plains host the Great Migration (locations shift by month). Expect park fees around $70 per day; full‑day game drives with guide/vehicle typically $200–$350 per person before lodging. Fly into Seronera from Arusha for time savings ($150–$250 one‑way), or drive via Ngorongoro on a multi‑park loop. Two nights minimum keeps pace gentle.

Ngorongoro

A vast caldera shelters dense wildlife amid open grass and seasonal pools. Day entries and crater‑descent permits are usually bundled into guided trips ($250–$400 per person, sharing). Start pre‑dawn to enter early, carry layers (cool rim, warm crater floor), and add a picnic to avoid mid‑day queues at gates.

Tarangire

Baobab‑dotted hills and large elephant groups make June–October superb. Fees align with northern parks, while lodges $150–$400 per night span tented comfort to chic suites. Add a sunrise or golden‑hour drive for dramatic light on trunks and red earth. Combine with Lake Manyara or an Arusha overnight for a smooth loop.

Ruaha

Tanzania's vast heartland blends river sandbanks, rocky kopjes, and quiet tracks with few vehicles. Charter flights from Dar/Arusha ($200–$350 one‑way) drop near bush camps ($250–$700 pppn, often including drives and meals). Best June–October; shoulder months offer value. Expect long, unrushed sightings and star‑rich nights.

Nyerere

Formerly Selous, this river‑laced giant adds classic drives to boat safaris on the Rufiji. Road transfers from Dar take ~5 hours (final stretch requires 4×4); many opt for a one‑hour flight. Typical packages $250–$600 pppn include guided activities, meals, and park fees. Bring a soft dry bag for spray on the water.

Arusha

Gateway city with coffee estates, craft boutiques, and day‑trip operators. Coffee farm tours run ~$25–$50 with tastings; vibrant markets reward early visits. Mid‑range hotels cluster along main roads ($60–$150). Shared shuttles to parks leave early; private 4×4 transfers save time if traveling as a pair or family.

Stone Town

Carved doors, coral‑stone houses, and breezy seafront walks set an easy rhythm. Guided heritage routes ($15–$25) cover palaces, old forts, and hidden courtyards in 2–3 hours. Stay in a restored townhouse ($70–$180) and plan a rooftop dinner for sunset. Dress light, carry small cash, and expect narrow lanes.

Pemba

The "Green Island" is quieter than Unguja, with dhow‑filled coves and thriving reefs. Flights from Dar or Zanzibar cost ~$60–$120 one‑way; lodges range $90–$220 per night. Pair a village walk and coastal picnic with a half‑day snorkel. Roads are simple; pre‑book transfers with your stay.

Mafia

A marine‑park calm spot known for clear water and tranquil stays. Expect a $20 daily marine‑park fee (collected on arrival) and gentle guesthouses from $70–$180. Snorkel trips run ~$35–$60; seasonal boat outings to see gentle giants cost ~$60–$100. Evenings are quiet—bring a book and stargaze.

Kigoma

On Lake Tanganyika's shore, this laid‑back base links ferries, lakeside sunsets, and primate forests. Boats to Gombe depart daily (weather permitting); chimp trekking often costs ~$90–$120 per permit, plus park and boat fees. Pack quick‑dry gear, trail snacks, and a wide‑brim hat—paths can be steep and humid.

Katavi

Remote floodplains reward patience with raw, uncrowded drives. Access typically requires a small‑plane hop from Arusha, Ruaha, or Kigoma ($250–$450 one‑way). Dry‑season game densities shine July–Oct; camps $300–$700 pppn often include activities. Bring extra batteries—power can be solar and schedules generous between drives.

Arusha Park

Close‑to‑town variety: misty craters, alkaline lakes, and montane forest. Guided walking safaris and canoeing (when water levels permit) diversify a half‑day or full‑day outing. Fees are modest by northern‑circuit standards; organized day trips commonly $120–$200 per person including transport.

Dar es Salaam

An energetic coastal hub with markets, museums, and offshore islets. Return‑boat combos to Mbudya or Bongoyo typically cost $20–$35 per person; beach umbrellas and fresh grills await. In town, plan a museum hour ($5–$10), then seaside strolls. Mid‑range hotels run $70–$160; airport taxis are ~$15–$25.

Practical Tips

- Visas: Many nationalities obtain e‑visas online; budget $50–$100.

- Payments: Cards at most lodges; carry $10s/$20s cash for tips, boats, and stalls.

- Health: Consult a clinic for vaccines; pack sunscreen, a brimmed hat, and a basic kit.

- Packing: Soft duffels under 15–20 kg for bush flights; neutral layers for game drives.

Conclusion

Tanzania shines when days pair a northern‑circuit safari with a slow island finish—or flip it for a restful start before big drives. Which mix calls loudest: Serengeti + Ngorongoro + Unguja, a quiet Ruaha + Nyerere duo with a Mafia wind‑down, or a summit push on Kilimanjaro capped by Stone Town lanes and a sunset dhow?